India vs Pakistan Bilateral Series : :In the aftermath of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, which tragically claimed the lives of over 26 people, emotions are running high—and so are questions surrounding India-Pakistan cricket relations. Amid growing public pressure and emotional outcry, BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla has put to rest all speculation regarding a potential bilateral cricket series between India and Pakistan.
Speaking to the media on Thursday, Shukla reaffirmed what has long been the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) official stance: no bilateral series with Pakistan unless the Indian government gives the nod.
“We are with the victims and we condemn it. Whatever our government says, we will do. We don’t play with Pakistan in a bilateral series because of the government’s stand. And we will not play with Pakistan in bilaterals going forward,” Shukla stated.
India vs Pakistan Bilateral Series : No Bilateral Series with Pakistan, But ICC Clashes Will Continue: BCCI VP Rajeev Shukla Clarifies India’s Stance
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So, What About ICC Events?
While bilateral ties remain frozen, the India vs Pakistan rivalry isn’t completely off the table. The two teams continue to clash in ICC tournaments and Asia Cup fixtures, given that these matches are organized by international governing bodies and not governed by bilateral agreements.
Shukla explained,
“When it comes to ICC events, we play due to ICC engagement. ICC is also aware of what’s happening and they will look into it.”
India has faced Pakistan 22 times since 2013—all of which have been in ICC or Asia Cup events—with India winning 19 of those encounters. These matches are typically scheduled at neutral venues, like Dubai or other third-party nations.
India’s Upcoming Fixtures Against Pakistan
Despite the political tension, India and Pakistan are still scheduled to meet in several future ICC and ACC tournaments, including:
- Asia Cup 2025
- T20 World Cup 2026
- Women’s World Cup 2025
All these encounters are currently planned for neutral venues, raising questions on whether the BCCI will allow Team India to participate if tensions escalate further.
Will India Boycott Pakistan in ICC Events?
Historically, India has never boycotted a match against Pakistan in an ICC event, even during politically sensitive times. This differs from actions taken by other nations—like England boycotting Zimbabwe in the 2003 World Cup or Australia and West Indies refusing to play in Sri Lanka in 1996.
While some voices in Indian cricket, like Shreevats Goswami, have urged for a full freeze on all cricketing ties with Pakistan, including ICC events, Rajeev Shukla placed the responsibility on the ICC to take a final call on scheduling.
The India vs Pakistan cricket saga continues to be a politically sensitive and emotionally charged issue. As of now, bilateral series are off the table indefinitely, but high-voltage matches in ICC events will likely go on unless the Indian government or ICC takes a bold call to the contrary.
For now, all eyes are on the Asia Cup and T20 World Cup schedules—because no matter the politics, IND vs PAK remains the most-watched rivalry in world cricket.
FAQs
Will India play any bilateral cricket series with Pakistan soon?
No, BCCI has clearly stated that India will not play bilateral series with Pakistan going forward.
Can India and Pakistan still face each other in ICC tournaments?
Yes, they can play in ICC and ACC events as per existing international commitments.
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